India, April 22 -- Rajasthan Royals made a stellar start to the season, winning their first four games to surge to the top of the points table. But consecutive defeats-both away from home, to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 57 runs and Kolkata Knight Riders by four wickets-left them in fourth spot. Both losses also drew criticism, with captain Riyan Parag bearing the brunt for his poor batting form.

In six matches this season, Parag-who was elevated to the captaincy role after Rajasthan parted ways with Sanju Samson-has managed only 61 runs at a strike rate of 122. His struggles have been at the heart of Rajasthan's middle-order woes, which were exposed in those two defeats.

Although Parag has impressed as a captain, his modest returns have led ...